Expert recommendations and insider tips for first-time visitors and locals alike from ARTĚL’s founder, Karen Feldman, who has lived in Prague since 1994. Click on the links below for detailed reviews – from Feldman’s own unique perspective – of all the best that Prague has to offer...

If you’re reading this blog, you probably already know a thing or two about artisanal handmade crystal glassware (like ours)… so we’re pretty sure you’ve heard of a firm called Moser, no? Founded way back in 1857 in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, it is among the world’s best-known luxury brands.

If you’re in Prague anytime between now and March 22, you should definitely stop by the Municipal House to check out an impressive exhibit commemorating Moser’s 160th anniversary, where you’ll find a huge assortment of glass in an array of historical styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, mid-century, and contemporary designs.

Moser Crystal Story photo of exhibition. Photo by Amy Hughes

One of the most interesting works on display is the 1911 “Splendid” drinking set (figs. 1-2). Notable for its rich cutting and applied work, this set has been owned by “past and present heads of states, governments, parliaments, diplomatic circles and many other prominent persons,” and it’s on the basis of this set that Moser calls itself “the king of glass, glass of kings.”

“Splendid” drinking set designed in 1911. Photo courtesy of MOSER

Another highlight of the exhibition is the 1909 “Copenhagen” set (fig. 3), which has been a part of important state events and meetings at the Prague Castle since the First Czechoslovak Republic.

Mid-century design lovers are sure to appreciate Moser’s “Giant Snifters” set (fig. 4), which won the Grand Prix at the 1958 World Expo in Brussels, Belgium.

Louis Armstrong is a member of the Giant Snifters Club. Photo courtesy of MOSER

There’s also a selection of glassworks featuring the firm’s pioneering use of painting and color techniques, such as the 1880 “Jasmine” set of elaborately gilded and enameled tumblers (fig. 5).

Also featured are displays on Moser’s partnerships with contemporary glass artists, including the famous designer René Roubíček and the master painter Jan Janecký, whose incredibly talented brushstrokes grace ARTEL’s very own Gilded Birds motif.

Moser Crystal Story photo of exhibition. Photo courtesy of MOSER

For chandelier lovers, the exhibition’s pièce-de-résistance is, without question, the topaz-colored, 24-carat-gold-plated, blown and cut crystal “Ludwig” chandelier (fig. 7). Designed by Moser’s Art Director Lukáš Jabůrek and artist Filip Houdek, the monumental tribute to the firm’s founder Ludwig Moser weights nearly 200kg and took a team of 40 people a year to complete. It is truly a wonder to behold.